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Predicate prediction based on a predicated predicate value

a prediction value and predicate technology, applied in the field of prediction based on a predicate value, can solve the problem that the execution of compare instructions can be long, and achieve the effect of reducing the time it takes to execu

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-08-01
INTEL CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a way to predict the value of a boolean function by comparing the bits of two operands. This comparison is used to conditionally execute a predicated instruction based on the predicted value. The technical effect of this invention is to improve the speed and efficiency of boolean function prediction in computer hardware.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the COMPARE instruction can take a long time to execute.

Method used

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  • Predicate prediction based on a predicated predicate value
  • Predicate prediction based on a predicated predicate value
  • Predicate prediction based on a predicated predicate value

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Embodiment Construction

[0015]A method and apparatus for performing predicate prediction is described. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a predicate value is predicted using either historical information or by comparing a selection of least significant bits (LSBs) of the two operands of the COMPARE instruction that determines the predicate value. If the predicate predictor has determined a high confidence in its ability to accurately predict a predicate value based on historical information associated with the predicate, then the historical information is used to determine the predicted predicate value (PPV). If, on the other hand, the predicate predictor has a low confidence in its ability to accurately predict a predicate value based on the historical information, then the PPV is determined by comparing the LSBs of the first operand to the LSBs of the second operand. Once the PPV is determined for a predicate, an instruction that is predicated on the predicate is conditionally e...

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Abstract

In one method, a predicted predicate value may be determined. A predicated instruction is then conditionally executed depending on the predicted predicate value. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a predicate table stores historical information corresponding to a predicate. A pipeline coupled to the table receives a predicted predicate value calculated from the historical information. The pipeline may use this predicted predicate value to conditionally execute a predicated instruction. The actual predicate value is provided back to the predicate table from the pipeline.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09 / 224,414, filed Dec. 31, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to computer systems and more particularly to computer system processors that support predication and perform predicate prediction.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A processor manipulates and controls the flow of data in a computer system. Increasing the speed or throughput of the processor will tend to increase the computational power of the computer. Processor designers employ many different techniques to increase processor speed and throughput to create more powerful computers for consumers. One technique used by designers is called predication.[0004]Predication is the conditional execution of instructions depending on the value of a predicate. For example, consider the following sequence of instructions:COMPARE R1=R2→p2(p2) ADD R3+R4→R5The first instruction, COMPARE R1=R2→p2, determines a value for the pr...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F9/44G06F9/32G06F9/38
CPCG06F9/30072G06F9/3844G06F9/3842G06F9/30094
Inventor GROCHOWSKI, EDWARD T.MULDER, HANS J.HUMMEL, VINCENT E.
Owner INTEL CORP